Belmont Area Revitalization Plan
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission
Adopted by Charlotte City Council
(May 12, 2003)
Today, Belmont is poised for revitalization. It is strategically situated between the newly transformed First Ward, the popular Plaza-Midwood neighborhood, and emerging North Davidson (NoDa). Its central location makes it accessible to jobs and services. Redevelopment is being discussed for Piedmont Courts -- one of Charlotte’s oldest public housing complexes -- possibly with the help of federal Hope VI grant funds. The Belmont Community Development Corporation has been organized and residents are energized to work for improvement of their neighborhood.
There are still formidable challenges, of course. Belmont has suffered from a perception of high crime and disinvestment. About one-fourth of the neighborhood’s homes need major repair. More than half of all homes are renter-occupied, which can decrease neighborhood stability. An estimated 70 percent of Belmont’s households have annual incomes under $35,000, making housing affordability a critical issue.
The Belmont Area Revitalization Plan is based on the premise that the neighborhood’s single-family character should be preserved and that current Belmont residents should have increased opportunities for homeownership - while also welcoming new investment that would help create a diverse, mixed-income community.
It seeks to develop a sensible long-range land use plan that can guide future community development. It envisions rehabilitated and new single-family infill homes, neighborhood retail services and mixed-use development.